Sri Lanka Catholic Church asks not to politicize pontiff's visit
Posted by Unknown on Friday, September 12, 2014 | 0 comments
Sept 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic Church today urged the Sri Lankans not to politicize the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to the island as speculations swirled that President Mahinda Rajapaksa may call a snap election for a third term.
Addressing a media briefing the Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said the Pope will visit the island from January 13 - 15 and expressed hope that Pontiff's visit would not be affected by the holding of a possible snap presidential election.
He said according to the Vatican rules the Pope does not visit to countries during election times and the President has been informed that it is not appropriate for the Pope to visit the country in the middle of an election campaign.
When asked whether the government can hold the election before the Papal visit, the Cardinal said it's government's decision.
"It is a decision for the government to make. We hope that the visit will not be disturbed by an election campaign and not be used as a political tool by both the government and opposition," the Cardinal said.
During his maiden visit to Sri Lanka the Pope will meet Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa and also will attend a cordial gathering with the clerics of other religions.
A divine sermon will be held at Galle Face Greens on the 14th morning. On the evening of the same day Pope Francis will conduct a special sermon at the Madhu Church in Mannar.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith informed that the Pope will also bless the people from the statue of the Lady of Madhu.
Following Sri Lanka visit Pope will visit Philippines from 15 to 19 January 2015.
